October 2024 - Executive Director’s Report to MABA Members
There is an African proverb, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” And although its origins have been analyzed and studied, its meaning is clear, and it is at the heart of my message to the board and the members this month. I’ll share herein the wealth of activities and initiatives taking place in the MABA committees and leadership, and the great momentum they are building to push further into our collective biosolids future and path ahead.
The Communications Committee has led the way to organize a National Biosolids Communication Workgroup consisting of multiple regional biosolids organizations across the country to develop the National Communication Guidance: PFAS and Biosolids Management communication document to share with their respective members to assist with their communications about PFAS & Biosolids.
Additionally, the Communications committee has created a MABA Member Communications survey to get feedback from the members about the communication efforts and help develop their next steps for the year ahead. They are also working to create new and revised FAQ and fact sheet documents for the MABA members on the website, and have so far created “What are biosolids?” and “Information for farmers about PFAS in biosolids”. The Committee will also be introducing “MABA Merch” in the months ahead, for members to have a chance to purchase clothing and other products with the MABA and MABF logos.
The MABA Membership Committee has worked diligently to reach out to current public utility members to touch base, and learn more about their experiences with and services needed from MABA. They’ve also brought on board 4 new public utility members and 3 new sponsors. They have worked to offer reduced membership fees as an incentive to bring new members on board, and are requesting the members’ assistance in identifying additional potential members with the Public Utility Leads survey.
MABA’s Reg/Leg Committee has stayed abreast of many developments across the region, as well as nationally, to keep MABA’s leadership and members aware of the updates and information available from a regulatory and legislative perspective. Recently, information gathered has resulted in the creation of a letter in support of legislation in Pennsylvania to ban PFAS in some consumer products. Additionally, the committee has worked to remain updated on regulations and execution of new regulations in New York and recently in Maryland. Stay tuned for a full Reg/Leg email update in the weeks ahead.
The MABA Programming Committee hosted an incredibly successful 2024 Summer Symposium in Richmond, Virginia in July, resulting in additional net revenue for the organization while providing rich education and networking opportunities for the members in the region. They are charging ahead with the September 24 webinar, Biosolids End Use Success Stories, and the Communications Committee is working with them to further share these success stories through the October 23 webinar with the Pennsylvania NewsMedia Association. Another webinar is planned for November, as well as the opening of the Call for Abstracts for the 2025 Summer Symposium, taking place in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania in July.
And finally, I continue to deliver presentations to different groups to provide a comprehensive update on PFAS and Biosolids, from a regulatory, legislative and research perspective. Recently, I presented at the Society of Women Environmental Professional’s PFAS Seminar at Eurofins Laboratories in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, and at Tri-Con, in Ocean City, Maryland, as well as the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association annual conference in September, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. And I will be presenting at the NJWEA Technology Transfer Seminar in October, in Eatontown, New Jersey. I provided the same session via webinar to the Environmental Finance Center Network (EFCN) on October 1, and will provide it again for the Pennsylvania Municipal Authorities Association (PMAA) on November 6. These speaking opportunities have afforded me the opportunity to share critical information and updates to the biosolids community and the communities we serve, and spread the word about MABA and MABF.
In NPR’s analysis of the aforementioned African proverb, they spoke to Neal Lester, a humanities professor at Arizona State University who specializes in African-American literary studies. Lester stated, “The Africanist perspective is more about community, it's more about collaboration. It's less about what we can do individually." And this essence of the meaning of the proverb is in line with this message to the MABA board and members, the region’s biosolids community. There is an incredible amount of energy and work taking place in the MABA community and the biosolids community in our region right now, and I invite you to get on board and get involved to press forward, further, together.
If you are interested in learning more about MABA and MABF, or setting up some time to talk or get together, please reach out to me at [email protected] or 845-901-7905. |
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Biosolids NewsClips - November 1, 2024
NewsClips is filled with articles from around the region and the world. This edition includes some positive articles, including an article from Blackburn, England, where a new aerobic granular sludge technology known as Nereda was installed at the Cuerdale Lane plant by the Dutch firm Royal HaskoningDHV, that uses 50 per cent less electricity than conventional processes to purify wastewater.
Unfortunately, there are some less-than-positive articles in this edition, including recent articles regarding concerns about PFAS, and the implication of potential contamination from the land application of biosolids. MABA, together with six biosolids organizations across the country, worked to create the National Communication Guidance: PFAS and Biosolids Management document. This resource is intended to help our members in the face of such articles, and in their work and communications within the communities they serve.
The monthly newsclips are brought to you by the MABA Communications Committee, and they are looking for MABA members who are interested in learning more about their work for the biosolids sector. Please reach out to Mary Baker if you are interested in checking out an upcoming Communications Committee meeting.
Stay tuned for more information from MABA. If you have biosolids news to share, please reach out to Mary Baker at 845-901-7905 or [email protected].
Biosolids News
as of October 25, 2024
MABA Region
Is sewage sludge laced with ‘forever chemicals’ contaminating Virginia farmland?
Charlottesville, VA (30 Sept 2024) - For decades, American factories have been sending their wastewater to municipal sewage treatment plants across the country, which handle it along with the effluent from other industries, homes and businesses. At the other end of the process, the separated and dried-out solids are often delivered to farmers as free fertilizer. The land application of this “sewage sludge” has long been encouraged by environmental regulators as a way to deal with what would otherwise be a vexing waste disposal problem.
West End air quality: DEP to hold 2 meetings about odors
Pottsville, PA (10 Oct 2024) - The Schuylkill County commissioners announced there will be two public meetings held to address ongoing complaints about odors from composting and biosolids operations in the county. Commissioner Barron L. “Boots” Hetherington, at the commissioners meeting Wednesday, said the state Department of Environmental Protection has informed them there will be two such meetings in the near future: one in Tremont, addressing smells from the Natural Soil Products plant in Frailey Twp.; and another in Saint Clair, about the BRADS landfill in Blythe Twp.
Sewage Sludge Stinks Up Sag Harbor
Long Island, NY (10 Oct 2024) - The Sag Harbor Sewage Treatment Plant pumped out enough sludge to create a “malodorous activity” that contributed to “a little aroma” and residents’ complaints, according to Sag Harbor Village Trustee Aiden Corish. The Sag Harbor American Music Festival held Sept. 26-29 was blamed for generating the sludge that produced the menacing smell, officials told residents who complained at the Oct. 8 Sag Harbor Village Board meeting.
Nationally
City branching out with biosolids disposal
Derby, KS (26 Sept 2024) - In an effort to enhance services offered, the Wastewater Treatment Facility recently pursued a secondary disposal method for its biosolids – which was brought before, and approved by, the Derby City Council at its Sept. 24 meeting. As part of its process, the Wastewater Treatment Facility produces two byproducts – a liquid effluent that is discharged into the Arkansas River, and a dewatered sludge (biosolids) that is nutrient rich and used as fertilizer.
Plans, specifications approved for lime press project at Jamestown water plant
Jamestown, ND (27 Sept 2024) - The Jamestown Public Works Committee unanimously recommended approval on Thursday, Sept. 26, of the plans and specifications for replacing and installing lime sludge filter presses at the water treatment plant. The city of Jamestown will be authorized to advertise for bids on the project.
Public invited to comment on environmental review for Washington’s draft permit for biosolids management
Olympia, WA (27 Sept 2024) - The Washington Department of Ecology is working to update the statewide general permit for biosolids by incorporating additional documentation and research into the environmental review for the permit. If adopted, the permit will provide oversight of how biosolids are stored, managed and used in the state. Biosolids are the byproduct of wastewater treatment plants, and can be used as soil amendments, compost and fertilizer.
MSU scientists awarded two new grants over $1M each to address PFAS impacts on agriculture
East Lansing, MI (27 Sept 2024) - Two Michigan State University scientists have been awarded grants of more than $1 million each to address the emerging issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) affecting agricultural operations. The grants will support a multidisciplinary approach evaluating the impact of PFAS on a Michigan farm.
‘Forever chemicals’ are being found everywhere. What about in Tacoma’s TAGRO fertilizer?
Tacoma, WA (30 Sept 2024) - There’s growing concern about the dangers associated with a class of chemicals so long lasting in the environment that they carry the nickname, “forever chemicals.” The chemicals, which number in the thousands, can be found in a variety of household sources and can make their way into municipal sewage systems. Including Tacoma’s. The city, like others, treats and processes its sewage sludge into fertilizer for homes and agricultural use.
Missouri DNR monitoring emptying of sludge lagoons
Enid, OK (2 Oct 2024) - Denali Wastewater Solutions continues to empty its lagoons in Newton and McDonald counties, and a Missouri Department of Natural Resources official said the agency is monitoring the work to ensure that none of it makes its way back to Missouri. The latest plan, filed by Denali, an Arkansas company, indicate its plans to remove waste material from the lagoons and what it planned to do with it.
New Lawsuit Highlights PFAS Exposure for Fertilizer Manufacturers
Sausalito, CA (8 Oct 2024) - A lawsuit filed earlier this year highlights potential PFAS liability exposure for fertilizer manufacturers, especially those that produce biosolid-based products. Five Texas farmers have sued Synagro Technologies, alleging that high levels of PFAS in the company’s biosolid-based fertilizers contaminated their water, soil and livestock. The lawsuit alleges that Synagro knew about the presence of PFAS in its fertilizers and failed to warn product users about the adverse health effects associated with exposure to PFAS.
Experts urge keeping 'forever chemicals' off Oregon farmland
Salem, OR (10 Oct 2024) - Research is needed on “forever chemicals” contaminating fertilizer made from treated sewage, but such toxins should be kept out of Oregon long before reaching farmland, experts say. Despite the failure of previous funding requests, waste and water experts again plan to ask Oregon lawmakers for money to study PFAS chemicals in “biosolids” applied to crop fields.
Sioux City City Council approves Wastewater Treatment Plant receiving improvements
Sioux City, IA (14 Oct 2024) - On Monday, city staff requested the Sioux City City Council to approve plans and estimated costs, for repairs needed at the Wastewater Treatment Plant. The council voted 5-0 to approve plans for the Digestion and High Strength Waste Receiving Improvements Project. The project is contracted out through Donohue and Associates Inc. of St. Louis Park, Minnesota. The repairs will be done to the North Primary Clarifiers, cleaning and sludge removal, and repair of concrete for structural integrity. Funding for the project will be done through ARPA Funds and Iowa State Revolving Funds.
S.L.U.D.G.E., CRAP plan to sue to stop land-application statewide
Cassville, MO (15 Oct 2024) - Craig Family Farms, LLC, and the environmental groups Stop Land Use Damaging our Ground and Environment (S.L.U.D.G.E.), LLC, and Citizens of Randolph County Against Pollution (CRAP), LLC, served formal notice to six organizations last week of their intent to file a lawsuit in federal court to stop the land-application of meat and food-processing waste and biosolids to Missouri farmland. Targeted as prospective defendants are the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) and waste-management companies, Bubs, Inc.; Denali Water Solutions, LLC (Denali); HydroAg Environmental, LLC; Reed Environmental, LLC; and Synagro Technologies, Inc., (Synagro).
How much longer till the wastewater treatment plant updates are finished?
Chillicothe, OH (24 Oct 2024) - In recent years the wastewater treatment plant has been a hot topic in Chillicothe as the equipment failed and funding was needed to fix or replace it. After budgeting and grants were finally approved the plant was finally able to start much-needed upgrades and repairs. Work is taking place all around the plant as crews try to fix and add to the already existing process. Waste Water Supervisor Dale Goebel said this can be tricky as the plant is still in operation processing millions of gallons of water per day.
Large sewage tank explosion reported in Litchfield
Litchfield, CT (23 Oct 2024) - An investigation is underway after a large sewage tank explosion in Litchfield on Wednesday. Bantam Fire Company said they were called to the Water Pollution Control Authority at 11:45 a.m. Responding crews learned that a flammable gas explosion happened in a sludge tank containing 50,000 gallons of sewage. Firefighters looked for any structural damage and metered the affected area for flammable and toxic gases. Authorities said there was no imminent health or safety threat to the community or the environment.
Most Maine farms with forever chemicals are still in business
Bangor, ME (25 Oct 2024) - Most Maine farms affected by fertilizer sludge containing forever chemicals remain in production, members of the state fund charged with aiding them said on Thursday. Farmers can use fields for different crops that do not take up the contaminants as readily or plant less resilient crops in fields not treated with forever chemicals, they said.
Researchers are converting our sludge, scraps and smog into higher-value products
Lemont, IL (25 Oct 2024) - Researchers at the U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Argonne National Laboratory are working toward a more regenerative future—one where Earth's resources are circulated sustainably. In this type of economic system, called a circular economy, a product's end of life is planned for at the design stage. This way, would-be waste becomes a valuable resource for creating new or refurbished products.
Open House held for new city wastewater treatment plant
Ely, MN (25 Oct 2024) - Facing stringent mercury limits, aged infrastructure, and the need to accommodate growth, the City began planning for improvements in 2014 and completed construction in 2024. Overall, the city of Babbitt secured over $12 million in grants to pay for the $18 million dollar project. The Babbitt wastewater facility was an old facility with many buildings and equipment that had reached their life expectancy.
Internationally
‘Forever chemicals’ found in sewage sludge raises concerns
Surrey, England (27 Sept 2024) - The UK farming sector is facing a growing concern over the spread of “forever chemicals”, on agricultural land through biosolids.Investigations have revealed that contaminated sludge containing perfluoroctane sulfonate (PFOS), a particularly harmful type of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), is being used as fertiliser. PFAS are used in various products like cookware, cosmetics, and food packaging.
PFAS: Wallonia to adopt key EU drinking water standard 'immediately'
Brussels, Belgium (26 Sept 2024) - The Walloon government has decided to adopt the European standard of 0.1 μg/l for 20 PFAS in drinking water immediately, instead of by January 1, 2026 as previously planned. Coppieters is also suggesting temporary threshold values for sludge and discharges from wastewater treatment plants. He highlighted that sludge from these plants poses a contamination risk when used as fertiliser in agriculture, so a temporary target of 40 μg/kg MS for six PFAS in sewage sludge has been set.
Pilot bid in Blackburn to retrieve super gel from sewage
Blackburn, England (27 Sept 2024) - Work is about to get underway at the Blackburn Wastewater Treatment Works, in Samlesbury, on the process as part of regulator Ofwat's Innovation Fund. Three years ago new aerobic granular sludge technology known as Nereda was installed at the Cuerdale Lane plant by the Dutch firm Royal HaskoningDHV. It uses 50 per cent less electricity than conventional processes to purify wastewater.
Balik Scientist helps Maynilad develop waste-to-energy solutions
Maynilad, Philippines (29 Sept 2024) - A Balik Scientist has lent his expertise to Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Maynilad) to help assess and introduce technologies that can transform biosolids into a source of renewable energy. Dr. Mario Rebosura shared with Maynilad innovative approaches in the management of biosolids (organic byproduct of Maynilad’s wastewater treatment process) to fine-tune the West Zone water concessionaire’s ongoing study of waste-to-energy technologies.
Hutt residents ‘gagging’ after bad smell spikes at treatment plant
Lower Hutt, New Zealand (29 Sept 2024) - A fire and mechanical breakdown has neighbours crying foul over the latest stink from the Seaview Waste Water Treatment Plant. Problems with the sludge dryer, which dries out sludge before it is trucked to the Silverstream Landfill, are behind the latest noticeable increase in odour.
Last week Lower Hutt residents reported smelling it from as far away as Naenae, approximately 7km to the north, and there were widespread reports of it being worse than ever.
Total sanitation, waste mgmt among goals of Swachh Bharat
New Delhi, India (6 Oct 2024) - With the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan marking its 10th anniversary, the government is now planning to expand its efforts, focusing not only on eliminating open defecation but also on more comprehensive sanitation and waste management strategies, a senior official has said. The Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is a countrywide campaign initiated by the government in 2014 to eliminate open defecation and improve solid waste management and to create open defecation free villages. Asked about the road ahead, Vini Mahajan, secretary, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Ministry of Jal Shakti, said they are now planning to expand its efforts.
City landfill nearing its tipping point
Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada (8 Oct 2024) - A report came to city council on Monday night outlining the current status of the city’s landfill as it nears capacity and what operations will look like as the landfill moves towards closure. The location of the future new landfill is still up in the air. Back on June 18, the RM of Moose Jaw denied the city’s discretionary use application by a vote of 4-1, with one councillor recusing themselves due to a conflict of interest.
GSA Workshop: Industries asked to lead change for Ghana’s waste-to-energy agenda
Accra, Ghana (14 Oct 2024) - Players in waste-to-energy management have called on the government and other stakeholders to invest in Sustainable Technologies by drafting the appropriate regulation backed by policy support for the industries to lead the change of a transformative role in Ghana’s sustainable development. The players said the industry can advance the waste-to-energy (WtE) convention in Ghana when the government adopts Public-Private Partnership strategies and creates new markets for WtE byproducts which has the capacity to reduce environmental impact and promote a circular economy.
Proposed $56-million facility might make Sault’s poop less smelly
Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada (17 Oct 2024) - City councillors will be asked Monday to give approval in principle to a $56-million biosolids and source-separated organics facility. Biosolids are organic fertilizer made from food and excrement in wastewater from residential, industrial and commercial sources. They are treated to reduce the presence of potentially harmful micro-organisms and odours. If approved, the new facility will be built at the city landfill on Fifth Line.
DR. PETER CHOW: Biosolids the ‘Orwellian PR euphemism’ used by sewage sludge industry |
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